Music you've never heard….'til now! A blog of rare, hardly-heard or remembered pop, hip-hop, R&B, freestyle and dance music from the 80s and 90s. From one-hit wonders to no-hit wonders, this blog has it all!!

Small Change were an R&B group from the early 90s that consisted of four teenage cousins from North Philadelphia: Tamika Jarmon, Lakuana Brockington, Neamen Howard and Kairi Guinn-Styles. Their mentor and manager were Kairi's father, Wayne Styles.

In 1991, Small Change released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #69 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Why" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the charts for 12 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Teardrops" peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles, staying on the charts for 10 weeks.

The last single, "This Must Be Love" was unsuccessful, peaking only at #69 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 8 weeks. After that, it seemed as if the group faded into obscurity.

These days, Tamika now goes under the name "Tamika Jarmon-Lyles." Lakuana Brockington runs her own home daycare center in Philadelphia.

Neamen Howard lives in Albany, Georgia and also has a Facebook page, but it's set to private.

In 1996, Kairi Guinn-Styles was featured on Johnny Gill's album, "Let's Get the Mood Right" on the track "I Know You Want Me" in which he also wrote the song, but it's unknown what he is up to today.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Brownstone is a Grammy-nominated female R&B group from Los Angeles, California. The original members of the group were Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert.

The group met each other after going to separate auditions around the city. They were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label and were featured on labelmates Quo's single "Quo Funk" as vocalists.In 1995, Brownstone released their debut album "From the Bottom Up" which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.The first single "Passin' the Love" peaked at #42 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #58 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.Brownstone's second single and biggest hit to date "If You Love Me" peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 34 weeks.

The song topped the charts in New Zealand and was moderately successful in France, Australia and the Netherlands.The third single "Grapevyne" peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.The last single from the album, a cover version of the Eagles' song "I Can't Tell You Why" peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #22 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

Brownstone won a Billboard Music Award and received a Grammy nomination and a "Soul Train Lady of Soul" nomination. They were also featured on the hit single "Freedom."

After touring all around the globe, Mimi Doby left the group due to internal problems with the other two members of the group. She was later replaced with singer Kina Cosper.In 1997, Brownstone released their sophomore album "Still Climbing" which peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. .The first single from the album "5 Miles to Empty" which peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #38 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #24 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.The last single from the album "Kiss and Tell" peaked at #102 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

Kina Cosper left the group to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Kymberli Wright (who is now the lead singer of female jazz group Straight Ahead). She released a self-titled solo album and is working on her sophomore album.

Charmayne Maxwell had a sporadic career as a recording artist in Europe. Monica Doby left the music business and is now a teacher.

In 2007, Brownstone attempted to make a comeback which included new member Racquel Roberts & they performed in New York City, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

In 2013, Nichole Gilbert announced that the group was reuniting for a new album & tour. Sadly on February 28, 2015, Charmayne Maxwell passed away from unknown causes.

Quo was a kiddie hip-hop/rap duo that consisted of Wade "Kaos" Robson (born on September 17, 1982 in Brisbane, Australia) and DeWayne "Sysco Smoov" Turrentine (born in 1979 from Los Angeles, California). They were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label.

Wade was already well-known for performing a dance routine to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" on the Australian television talent show, "New Faces 4," sharing the stage with Michael Jackson himself during his "Bad" tour stop in Australia, and starring in three of Michael Jackson's videos: "Black and White," "Jam," and "Heal the World."

In 1994, the duo came together and released their debut single, "Huh What?" which featured rapper Redman (who also co-wrote the song). The single failed to make the Billboard charts at all.

The second single, "Blowin' Up (Don't Stop the Music)" which peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart and #90 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks. Aaron Hall provided background vocals on the song.

In October of that same year, Quo released their self-titled debut album, but it failed to make any impact on the Billboard album charts.

The third single, "Quo Funk" (which heavily sampled The Jacksons' "This Place Hotel") also failed to make any impact on the charts. The song featured R&B group, Brownstone.

After that, Quo broke up and seemingly faded into obscurity. Wade went on to become a successful choreographer, producer and actor while DeWayne became a fashion model, married actress Reagan Gomez-Preston & has two children.

Gwen Guthrie (born on July 14, 1950 in Okemah, Oklahoma) was a female R&B/dance singer from the 80s.

Raised in Newark, New Jersey, she studied classical music in school and was taught to play the piano by her father when she was 8 years old. By the early 70s, Gwen joined vocal groups such as the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers while working as an elementary school teacher.

In 1974, when a back-up singer who was scheduled to sing on Aretha Franklin's single "I'm in Love" became sick, Gwen took the singer's place. Soon after that, she began moonlighting as a commercial jingle singer, sometimes with her good friend Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson).

Gwen developed a songwriting partnership with her musician boyfriend Haras Frye & wrote songs for artists such as Ben E. King, Sister Sledge and Roberta Flack.

She also provided vocals on albums by artists such as East Coast, Jackie DeShannon, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Kenny Loggins and Michael Henderson.

In 1981, Gwen was featured on late Jamaican reggae singer Peter Tosh's single "Nothing But Love" which peaked at #43 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1982, Gwen released her self-titled debut album on Island Records. The album managed to peak at #28 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "It Should Have Been You" peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #27 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The follow-up singles "Peek-A-Boo" and "For You (With a Melody Too)" didn't appear to make any impact on the charts.

In 1983, Gwen released her second album "Portrait" which missed the charts in the United States, but managed to chart in New Zealand.

The first single "Peanut Butter" peaked at #83 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

The follow-up single "Hopscotch" was released, but didn't make the charts. In 1984, Gwen was featured on Dutch music group the Limit's single "Say Yeah" which peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and managed to chart in the U.K. and Ireland.

During that same year, Gwen released the single "Love in Moderation" which peaked at #110 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

In 1985, Gwen released her third album "Just For You" which peaked at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The title song managed to peak at #53 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

During that same year, Gwen released the EP "Padlock" which managed to peak at #47 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #102 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #25 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. A remixed version of "Peanut Butter" peaked at #75 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

The last single "Seventh Heaven" peaked at #85 on the U.K. Singles chart. The whole EP charted at #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

In 1986, Gwen released her fourth album, "Good to Go Lover" on Polydor Records which peaked at #158 on the Billboard 200, #20 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #42 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But the Rent" became Gwen's only biggest hit, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks in August of 1986, topped Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for a week in September of 1986, staying on the chart for 19 weeks and #5 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single "Outside in the Rain" peaked at #51 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The song also peaked at #37 on the U.K. Singles chart along with the title song.

The last single "(They Long to Be) Close To You" peaked at #25 on the U.K. Singles chart and 69 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1988, Gwen released her fifth album "Lifeline" on Warner Bros. Records. The album failed to make the Billboard album charts at all.

The only single to chart was "Can't Love You Tonight" which peaked at #79 on the U.K. Singles chart, #44 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #38 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #83 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1990, Gwen released her last album "Hot Times" on Reprise Records. Once again, the album failed to make any impact on the Billboard album charts.

The first single "Miss My Love" peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but missed the Hot 100.

The follow-up single "Sweet Bitter Love" peaked at #74 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1993, a remixed version of "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But the Rent" managed to peak at #42 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Sadly on February 3, 1999, Gwen passed away from uterine cancer at the age of 48.

Tony Terry (born on March 12, 1964 in Pinehurst, North Carolina) is an R&B singer from the late 80s/early 90s.

He graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. and was a backing vocalist for music groups such as Sweet Sensation and The Boogie Boys. In 1987, Tony signed a record deal with Epic/CBS Records.

During that same year, he released the single "She's Fly" which peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

In 1988, Tony released his debut album "Forever Yours" peaked at #151 on the Billboard 200 and #27 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

His second single "Lovey Dovey" peaked at #44 on the U.K. Singles chart and #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The title song peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The last single from the album "Young Love" peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #88 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks and #94 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Tony was featured on the "Tap" movie soundtrack with the song "Forget the Girl" which peaked at #97 on the U.K. Singles chart and #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

In 1989, he was featured on labelmate Flame's song "On the Strength" which was moderately successful on the R&B and dance charts.

In 1991, Tony released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #184 on the Billboard 200, #35 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #8 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Head Over Heels" peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The second single "With You" became Tony's highest chart appearance to date, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 33 weeks.

The third single "That Kind of Guy" peaked at #38 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single from the album "Everlasting Love" peaked at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 25 weeks.

During that same year, Tony earned two Soul Train Music Award nominations for "Single of the Year" and "Artist of the Year" for "With You." He was featured on the film soundtracks to "Gladiator." After that, Tony left his record label and signed to Virgin Records.

In 1994, Tony released his third album "Heart of a Man" peaked at #18 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart and #47 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "When a Man Cries" peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks along.

The second single "Can't Let Go" also peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The title song managed to peak at #86 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. The following year, Tony contributed background vocals on Yolanda Adams' album "More Than a Melody" on the track "Gotta Have Love."

In 2001, Tony released his fourth album "My Best" on the Golden Boy record label. It's unknown how or if the album was successful.

In 2006, he released his fifth album "Changed!" which peaked at #51 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #21 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

Until 2009, Tony toured internationally with Roberta Flack. While on tour in Japan with her, Tony's wife Laronda Dison-Terry was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia. The couple was recently named the National Spokespersons for the National Fibromyalgia Association.

On stage, Tony has appeared in various plays & musicals such as "Sisterella," "Mama, I Want to Sing," "His Woman, His Wife" (which co-starred Stephanie Mills) and recently the national tour of "Tall Dark and Handsome."

These days, Tony continues to perform. In 2013, he released the single "All I Need" which is available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon.com and emusic.com.

In 2015, he released his sixth album "I Tony 6" which is available on Rhapsody.com and iTunes.